The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-03-18

ont consulting her husband. quietly
took possession oi Il room in the south
wing of the house, and made NO further
illusions to her wrongs whether fanci-
ed or real.
Vernon spent the evenings in the
room his wife had vacated, and ii was
small comfort to Mildred to know that
IL he was alone he was constantly sur
rounded with mementoes of his lost
Helen. Even her picture is dearer to
him than can ever hope to be |" she
told herself. bitterly, when on crossing
the hall, one evening, she saw her hus-
band standing before the portrait, his
face wearing a strange, absent look.
Vernon was too deeply hurt at his
wife's GOODNESS to notice that she was
daily growing thinner. and that her
eyes were constantly dim with unshed
tears. Pride, anger, and bitter resent
ment were raging in his heart, and he
stubbornly refused to believe that Mil
dred was long ng for reconci liaton.
With the obstinacy of one who believes
himself deeply injored. he determined
that Mildred should be the one to break
down the barrier her own hand had
raised.
In these long days and weeks Mil
dred was fast learning the sad truth
that each added hour of GOODNESS and
silence was drifting them further
apart. and she shuddered at the
thought of what the end might be. "Our
marriage was wretched mistaken
she said to herself, one night, when
Vernon with careless kiss and good
night" had gone out. and she realized
that another long, lonely evening was
before her "What miserable farce it
isI' she exclaimed aloud. ''this ex-
change of polite greetings. these cold
caresscs that mean nothing! Why
the world TO the bitter truth? Sooner
or laterit will be found out. He is
happier when away from me, and | am
miserable in this house. Why should |
stay here lonely and unhappy night af-
ter night, when they want and miss me
so at homep Twill not bear it another
davr' she added, passionately, sud.
den determination coming too her.
born of her anger and loneliness.
Throwing aside the book she had been
pretending to read. she donned cloak
and hat. and, Notwithstanding the late
ness of the hour, hurr.edly left the
house.
as Mr.. Vernon out of town that you
have condesccnded to pay me Il visit?
Surely YOU dn't walk and it raining
and almost darkp" and Miss Lay has
tened to remove NJ ldreds wet cloak.
why, Millyr with glance at the
white. set face, "have you been crying!
Is an, thing wrong?" and her face that
ut sight of Mildred had dimpled all
over with smiles. instantly grew sober.
Mildred sank into chair before the
cosy fire while Miss Lay established
herself on low stool.
"Have YOU had bad news from
homer" she continued, rs Mildred held
her hands in the warmth of the fire
without speaking.
mo; it's about John. We quarreled,
and--and. oh, Lizzie, | am so unhap-
pyw and, laying her head IN Miss Lays
lap. Mildred sobbed out the whole mis-
cradle story.
Il Oh lOOllSn CIl III! cNCiulintu w 'ss
Lay. II don't wonder that John was
angry!
80 YOU think | was wholly TO
blamep" said Mildred with flashing
eyes; "and after saying what you did
about marrying a widower. too.
Il understand now; it was my fool
ish words that caused all the trouble.
My silly tongue Is forever getting me
into n scrape," said Miss Law, in atone
OF genuine regret.
ut would have been the same il YOU
hadn't said a word" exclaimed Mil
dred, passionately. Sooner or later |
would have found out what Il terrible
mistake have madel"
stuff and nonsense!" cried Miss Lay,
with sniff, 81 have always thou ght
you a sensible girl Mildred, but con-
fess that you are acting very foolishly
now"
Il suppose / have no right to COM
plain, MS was not forced into this mar
riage, but | certainly expected some
sympathy from you," said Mildred. in
an injured tone. las it seems quite
useless to explain matters L will not
trouble you further" and she rose as if
% go.
"Sit down, you unreasonable child,
and tell me what you want me to do.
said Miss Lay, drawing her stool near
er the fire. 81 am sorry you're so I'M
happy, though don't sec that you
have any cause to be so wretched and
heart broken. You have it in your
power to be the happiest woman in
town." she cont nued as Mildred, with
heavy sigh, resumed her seat.
Certainly Miss Lay was displaying
more forethought and wisdom than one